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cast the first stone. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cast the first stone, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
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English
Etymology
From the Bible John 8.7 where Jesus tells the accusers of a woman of adultery, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Pronunciation
Verb
cast the first stone (third-person singular simple present casts the first stone, present participle casting the first stone, simple past and past participle cast the first stone)
- (idiomatic) To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 2007, March 10, Mr Gingrich, on the impeachment proceedings in 1999. Reported in The Guardian
- I knew I couldn't cast the first stone as I knew I had weaknesses. ... (But) as a leader of the government trying to uphold the rule of law I have no choice but to move forward and say you cannot accept perjury in your highest officials.
Translations
See also